MALAYSIA is set to bolster its maritime security through increased investments in advanced surveillance technologies, including autonomous unmanned vehicles (AUVs), alongside greater international cooperation and legal enforcement, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced today.
Delivering his keynote address at the Malaysia Maritime Conference (MMC), held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), Mohamed Khaled said the country must stay ahead of disruptive and emerging technologies to safeguard its national interests.
“Malaysia will continue to enhance its naval and maritime enforcement capabilities to protect our national interests.
“In addition, we must keep pace with the rise of emerging and disruptive technologies that can optimise our ability to address maritime concerns,” Bernama quoted him saying.
He added that Malaysia would enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms and increase joint naval exercises with trusted international partners to ensure preparedness against both traditional and non-traditional threats.
These include illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, smuggling, and marine pollution, which he said continue to pose serious challenges to Malaysia’s maritime sovereignty.
“True economic prosperity cannot be achieved without maritime security,” he said. “Both traditional and non-traditional threats – including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, smuggling, and marine pollution – continue to challenge our sovereignty.”
To this end, Mohamed Khaled also underscored the need to reinforce Malaysia’s legal frameworks to tackle illegal fishing, environmental degradation, and unauthorised incursions by foreign vessels.
By tightening enforcement mechanisms, Malaysia aims to deter illicit maritime activity and improve accountability, he said.
He also highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of maritime operations, noting its potential applications in data analysis, threat monitoring, undersea research, and exploration.
Reflecting on the role of the conference, Mohamed Khaled said it should serve as “a vital platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships, and refining forward-looking policies to position Malaysia as a leading maritime nation.” - May 21, 2025
